ONE OF THE MOST WIDELY USED FLAT ROOF SYSTEMS TODAY IS METAL
Metal has been a common commercial roofing system for quite some time. In the more recent past, metal roof usage has slightly decreased as other systems have been developed that offer greater benefits. While metal roofs have lost some popularity, they can still be seen on vast numbers of metal roofs. This is because they were previously installed and tend to have a very long lifespan, and because they continue be installed today, just at a lower rate.
Advantages
Metal roofs are favored by many facility managers and building owners because they are very durable, non-combustible, have a long expected life, and can reflect some heat off of your roof. The roof surface gets hotter than most when the sun shines on it, so if you have a lot of activity on your roof, metal may not be the choice for you. There are some estimates that say you can save up to 30% on heating and cooling costs compared to other roofing materials thanks to metal’s reflectivity.
An advantage of metal roofs that many people are unaware of (building owners, contractors, facility managers included) is that they can be custom fabricated for specific buildings. If you have a large number of protrusions or flashings, or have an oddly shaped or uneven roof, you can have metal panels designed prior to their manufacture to fit perfectly on your roof.
Disadvantages
Metal panels are very heavy, and can be difficult to work with during installation and repair work. Some repairs can be fixed with caulking, but others require tearing out whole panels. If a spray-applied coating is elected for use over top of the metal, this makes repairs more manageable, but doesn’t eliminate the trouble of metal installation.
Metal roofs often require complete tear-off to make repairs to the roofing surface, which is an obvious downfall of this roofing system. Metal also exhibits great risk of rusting as you might expect, and once the rust sets in, it greatly compromises the strength and ability to protect the building from water as holes can develop.
Conclusion
Metal roofs are a durable, long-lasting commercial roofing system, but they are not without their downfalls. Be careful to always consult a professional and consider more factors than only cost if you are looking to replace your roof. If you have questions, you can give us a call and we’d be glad to give you any more information you may need. If metal doesn’t sound right for your building, check out some of these other commercial roofing systems.